Optical disc storage containers that facilitate detection of the presence of optical and/or audio discs stored therein

ABSTRACT

Novel, quick, and reliable detection methods for determining the authenticity of optical and/or audio disc articles (such as compact discs, digital video discs, CD-ROM discs, and the like) are provided. Such a method basically entails the incorporation of an identifier or marking means within the edges of target optical discs or within any other portion of a target disc such that exposure to non-visible light sources will provide the desired identification upon irradiation or detection of the marking means therein. Such an identifier or marking agent thus may be utilized in conjunction with a transparent holding case whereby the needed light source may be exposed through the transparent walls thereof to permit detection of counterfeit or authentic discs without requiring opening of the case itself. Such a method may also be utilized for discs that are removed from or have not been placed and sealed within such a case as well. Specific methods of utilizing particular transparent cases are thus also encompassed within this invention. Specific methods of utilizing particular transparent cases are thus also encompassed within this invention as are novel storage unit configurations to maximize the benefits of the transparent properties thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser.No. 10/122,674, filed on Apr. 15, 2002. This parent application isherein entirely incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to novel, quick, and reliable detectionmethods for determining the authenticity of optical and/or audio discarticles (such as compact discs, digital video discs, CD-ROM discs, andthe like). Such a method basically entails the incorporation of anidentifier or marking means within the edges of target optical discs orwithin any other portion of a target disc such that exposure tonon-visible light sources will provide the desired identification uponirradiation or detection of the marking means therein. Such anidentifier or marking agent thus may be utilized in conjunction with atransparent holding case whereby the optical discs may be exposedthrough the transparent walls thereof to permit detection of counterfeitor authentic discs without requiring opening of the case itself. Such amethod may also be utilized for discs that are removed from or have notbeen placed and sealed within such a case as well. Specific methods ofutilizing particular transparent cases are thus also encompassed withinthis invention as are novel storage unit configurations to maximize thebenefits of the transparent properties thereof.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0003] Optical data storage discs, such as compact discs (CDs), digitalvideo discs (DVDs), and compact discs having read-only memory (CD-ROMs),have been utilized within the entertainment and computer field for anumber of years, with DVDs recently entering the market with much higheramounts of available encoded information for more impressive videoresults. Such discs generally comprise a layer of plastic material, onone side of which is formed a micro-relief pattern in the form ofindentations which comprise an encoded information signal. Thisinformation-containing side exhibiting such a micro-relief pattern isthen provided with a lacquer-protected metallized reflective layer topermit reading via a laser sensor. DVDs may contain more than one suchlayer of micro-relief patterns thus providing increased amount ofinformation. Such DVDs exhibit several formats but always comprise twosubstrates, each formed with at least one information layer, that aresecured to one another. Furthermore, the lacquered portion of the disc,generally being solely on one side, usually is provided with visibleprinted information for identification, informational, and/or aestheticpurposes to the user. Standard and particular production methods forsuch discs are disclosed within such documents as U.S. Pat. No.6,165,391 and European Patent EP 0608358B1 (including the production ofdiscs including holographic images embossed in the lacquer forming theprotective layer for the metallized surface in order for themicro-relief pattern to define such an holographic image).

[0004] Such optical discs are normally formed from polycarbonatematerial which is injected into an injection molding machine in which astamper is present, the stamper forming the pattern of indentations inthe subsequently formed disc to provide the encoded signal. Othertechniques utilize compression molding with a specific mold to providethe encoded signals therein.

[0005] The discs may thus include certain holographic images on thesurface as well as different additives within the plastic layer, all notdetrimental to the operation of the target disc itself. The periphery ofthe disc (which is normally produced in circular configuration) is thusavailable for utilization of any number of identification purposeswithout affecting the sound or vision quality of the encoded informationtherein.

[0006] Furthermore, storage units for such discs have predominately beeneither polystyrene in nature (for CDs and CD-ROMs) or black (and thusopaque) polypropylene (for DVDs). Polystyrene is generally very clearand has become commonplace in terms of CD and CD-ROM storage; however,such material has proven to be less than reliable in terms of long-termusage. Polystyrene is generally susceptible to breakage easily, requiresa two piece case to provide a hinge, and is more expensive thanpolyolefins. Opaque polypropylene prevents the ability to view theactual disc prior to opening of the unit itself. Polypropylenewithstands certain forces better than polystyrene (such as accidentaldrops, colliding with solid objects, etc.), and is cheaper than such anexpensive material. Furthermore, transparent polypropylene has beenutilized to a certain degree as well to reduce costs in other ways. Forexample, DVDs generally include an attached sleeve to the target storageunit of transparent thin film in order to place an identifyingpublication therein. Such a thin film sleeve increases costs to such adegree that certain storage unit producers have noted the ability toremove the need for such a costly thin film sleeve and move thepublished identification papers within the storage unit itself. Thus,with sufficient transparency, the identifying publications can be viewedwithout opening the box itself.

[0007] Unfortunately, even with such a development in storage unitdesign and production, there has been a lack of maximization of such abenefit. In the past, booklets of limited size have been produced forinformational purposes for the user. Such booklets were placed withinthe storage unit but normally required removal from the storage unititself prior to reading. Such booklets also cost a great deal of moneyto produce and pack. There thus exists the need to maximize the benefitsof having the full published information documentation within the insideof the target disc storage unit. To date, for example, there stillexists a standard configuration wherein the discs as stored remainwithin the storage unit and thus act as obstacles to reading theprovided printed information literature accompanying the disc itself. Todate, there has been no discussion or fair suggestion on how best tomaximize such a limited design in order to maximize the benefits ofutilizing transparent polyolefin storage unit materials themselves.

[0008] Additionally, counterfeit audio and/or optical discs are anenormous problem within the pertinent industries. In fact, billions ofdollars a year are lost to the respective recording industries due toforged or counterfeited articles. Combating such a problem has provenextremely difficult as the appearance of such counterfeit discs aregenerally the same as those of authentic quality. Thus, provingauthenticity is generally difficult, if not impossible. Past attempts atpreventing or detecting such counterfeit discs have includedtechnologies such as anti-copying/encryption technologies, digitalsignatures, watermarks, and the like, embedded within the disc'scontent. However, these technologies have proved ineffective as decodershave been easy to develop for encryption and identifiers have been easyto copy. Therefore, stopping such counterfeit articles is quite elusive,particularly at the customs (importation) or customer level. Asimplified method of facilitating such needed detection of counterfeitarticles is thus of utmost importance to these industries. Of particularinterest is the ability to provide such detection when discs areshrink-wrapped together, prior to placement within ultimate storageunits, as well as upon placement within such storage units (which arealso generally shrink-wrapped for consumer purchase) in a manner thatdetection can be made without having to open the storage unit itself(and thus provides an easy method for the distributor to determine discauthenticity without affecting the value of the pre-packaged disc).Thus, such a desirable simplified detection method has not been accordedthese particular industries to date.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is thus an object of this invention to provide a manner ofdetecting counterfeit optical discs either while removed from anypackaging, while present within a closed storage unit, or while presentin a shrink-wrapped package of multiple discs. Another object of thisinvention is to provide a detection method for the authenticity ofoptical discs through the exposure of such discs to light within thenon-visible spectrum and viewing the resultant appearance of the edgesof such discs. Yet another object of the invention is to provide asimultaneous manner of efficient storage of discs and improved access toprovided informational literature accompanying such discs.

[0010] Accordingly, this invention encompasses a method of determiningthe authenticity and/or counterfeit status of at least one optical disccomprising the steps of

[0011] (a) providing at least one optical disc including at least oneauthenticity identifier selected from the group consisting of at leastone iridescing compound, at least one iridescing pattern, and anycombinations thereof, wherein said identifier is identifiable at leastalong the periphery of said disc;

[0012] (b) exposing said disc to a source of iridescent light within thenon-visible spectrum; and

[0013] (c) viewing the periphery of said at least one disc for thepresence of said identifier; wherein if said identifier is present, thensaid disc is considered authentic, and wherein if said identifier is notpresent, then said disc is not considered authentic. Also encompassedwithin this invention is a method for determining the authenticityand/or counterfeit status of at least one optical disc present within aclosed transparent storage unit, said method comprising the steps of

[0014] (a) providing at least one optical disc including at least oneidentification image thereon; and

[0015] (b) viewing said optical disc within said closed transparentstorage unit for the presence of said at least one identification image;

[0016] wherein if said at least one holographic is viewed, then saiddisc is considered authentic, and wherein if said at least holographicimage is not present, then said disc is not considered authentic.Further encompassed within this invention is a method of determining theauthenticity and/or counterfeit status of at least one optical discpresent within a closed transparent storage unit, said method comprisingthe steps of

[0017] (a) providing an optical disc within said closed transparentstorage unit, said optical disc including at least one authenticityidentifier selected from the group consisting of at least one iridescingcompound, at least one iridescing pattern, at least one identifyingpattern, and any combinations thereof, wherein said identifier isidentifiable at least along the periphery of said disc;

[0018] (b) exposing said storage unit disc to a source of iridescentlight within the nonvisible spectrum; and

[0019] (c) viewing the periphery of said at least one disc while stillwithin said closed storage unit for the presence of said identifier;wherein if said identifier is present, then said disc is consideredauthentic, and wherein if said identifier is not present, then said discis not considered authentic. Lastly, this invention also encompasses apolyolefin-containing storage unit including at least one peripheraledge and including at least one rosette for optical disc storage, saidat least one rosette being present on an arm which is permanently ortemporarily attached to said at least one peripheral edge via a movablehinge, wherein said optical disc may be maneuvered outside of saidstorage unit while simultaneously being attached to said rosette whichin turn remains attached to said arm while said arm remains attached tosaid at least one peripheral edge of said storage unit.

[0020] As it pertains to this invention, the term “authenticityidentifier” is intended to encompass any type of additive, whetherintegrated within the target disc or adhered to the surface of thetarget disc, that can be illuminated, preferably through utilization ofa light source within the non-visible spectrum (such as, withoutlimitation, infrared light, infrared laser, ultraviolet light,ultraviolet laser, and the like). Preferably, such an authenticityidentifier is provided wherein the resultant detection thereof is notedthrough visible realization of a unique signal. Thus, bar-coding,iridescent compounds, patterns of barcodes intermixed with iridescentcompounds, patterns of iridescent compounds, and the like, are possible,non-limiting available manners of providing such an authenticityidentifier thereon or therein the target optical disc.

[0021] More preferably, such an authenticity identifier is presentwithin the plastic layer of the target optical, and most preferablyadded thereto in such a manner as to permit identification of such anadditive at the surface of the periphery of the target optical discitself. A distinct problem facing the optical disc industries concernsthe fact that individual discs are counterfeited readily and may bepassed off as authentic during importation through customs departments.Generally, prior to packing within desired storage units, such discs areproduced in large quantities and are shrink-wrapped hundreds at a timefor shipping. Such shrink-wrap is generally transparent in nature aswell and thus permits ease in identification of an authenticityidentifier at the periphery of each individual disc when present inshrink-wrapped form prior to packing within storage units. In such amanner, the shrink-wrapped discs may be illuminated and analyzed for thepresence of the needed authenticity identifier. Such a method thusfacilitates review by the proper importation customs officials in orderto prevent unlawful shipping of counterfeit articles.

[0022] Such a periphery configuration also facilitates authentication ofstorage unit-packed optical discs, primarily those packed withintransparent cases. Generally, the information literature accompanyingthe disc(s) is sufficiently large that it resides within the entirespace provided by both halves of the storage unit itself. In suchmanner, the only open space remaining for easy viewing of the targetdisc(s) is only the peripheral edge(s) thereof through the transparentmaterial. The storage unit must thus exhibit a proper level oftransparency to permit illumination of the disc periphery therein forsuch an analysis. However, although not required, the design of thestorage unit may be improved to the degree that there is substantiallyno obstacle to illumination and thus analysis of the optical disctherein other than the plastic material of the storage unit itself. Forinstance, with common polypropylene cases, a living hinge is utilized toprovide a completely (or at least substantially) symmetric storage unitthat opens easily to provide two, again, substantially, symmetrichalves. In such a manner, storage unit, when in closed position,exhibits partition lines that may hinder the view of the target disc'speripheral edges. Thus, a different design can be employed to maximizeviewing of the illuminated disc peripheral edges wherein three edges ofthe storage unit do not include partitions therein and are free from anyobstacles to peripheral edge viewing. Thus, the storage unit design maybe asymmetric in configuration with a living hinge employed (forpreferred transparent polypropropylene) on a top flap that may beremovably attached to the remaining portions of the storage unit suchthat the stored disc is placed within the bottom portion thereof thesides of which do not exhibit any impedance to viewing. Such a design isnoted below in the drawings. As a result of any manner of detection insuch a manner, the disc contained therein can be analyzed prior toopening and/or removal, thereby preventing a loss in value of the targetdisc or at least providing a much simpler method of determiningauthenticity for the distributor, exhibitor, and/or consumer.

[0023] The utilization of polyolefin (preferably transparentpolypropylene) aids in removing the problems associated with polystyrenejewel boxes as well. Generally, such polystyrene boxes are brittle and,as noted above, highly susceptible to breakage, both within the flapportions of the target box, as well as at the detachable hingeportion(s). In addition, such boxes generally only permit easy viewingof the target disc therein at one side. Clarity is an importantcharacteristic of polystyrene; however, one edge of the jewel box isusually covered by the title of the work provided within the disc itselfand two others are roughened such that viewing through such a side isnearly impossible. With the preferred transparent polypropylene storageunits of this inventive method, the detection possibilities areincreased to three sides of the target storage unit, easily. Althoughpolystyrene is not preferred within this inventive method, of course,since it does provide a certain degree of ability to view a peripheraledge of the target disc, such a material may also be utilized.

[0024] Holographic images have been produced within the micro-reliefpattern(s) of optical discs in the protective lacquer in order toprovide authentication or anti-counterfeiting techniques. In the past,however, such images required first removing the target disc from itsstorage unit prior to viewing such an anti-counterfeit marking device.Thus, the ability to provide a simpler method of counterfeit detectionvia transparent storage unit materials, and configuration of theparticular storage unit itself, has not been previously investigated.With such a transparent storage unit, the aforementioned benefits ofmoving the identification literature within the case provides somedifficulty in determining proper views of the authenticity image (hereindefined as a holographic image, a bar-code, or other like imaging effectthat indicates uniqueness of source). If the literature is too large insize and thus only permits viewing at the peripheral edges (as with theother preferred embodiment noted above), then either openings may beprovided in the literature for proper viewing of the authenticity imageat specified areas of the target disc, or the authenticity image mayalso be placed on the peripheral edges for proper viewing and analysisby the target audience.

[0025] The transparency of the storage unit is of utmost importance forat least one preferred method of authenticity detection. In such amanner, the ability to determine counterfeit discs while the storageunit is either closed, sealed, or both, is not only facilitated, butalso permitted. With promotional literature material utilized, eitherwithin a sleeve, or placed within the storage unit itself, generallysuch paper material is placed in such a way as to prevent easy view ofthe surface of the target disc. Thus, there is a need to either providea cut-out pattern within the promotional material or smaller material ingeneral, to permit viewing of the surface of the target disc, unlessviewing of the peripheral edges is accessible and easier. Thetransparency of the storage unit material thus accords the ability toactually view either the surface or the peripheral edges withoutremoving the target disc from such a case.

[0026] For this purpose, polypropylene is most highly desired, inparticular clarified polypropylene (cPP). Any standard clarifying agentmay be utilized for this purpose, however, highly preferred are those ofthe substituted benzylidene sorbitol type, most highly preferred being3,4-dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol (available from Milliken & Companyunder the tradename MILLAD® 3988 (MILLAD® 3940 may also be utilized;however, due to plate-out and organoleptic issues, such an additive isnot as highly desired for such a purpose). material in the reaction.Such an additive is indicated within U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,474 to Scrivenset al., for example, and is generally added to target polypropylene inan amount of from about 0.01 to about 2 percent by weight, preferablyabout 0.1 to about 1 percent by weight, based upon the total weight ofthe composition may be provided.

[0027] The polyolefin polymers of the present invention may includealiphatic polyolefins and copolymers made from at least one aliphaticolefin and one or more ethylenically unsaturated comonomers. Generally,the comonomers, if present, constitute a minor amount, e.g., about 10percent or less or even about 5 percent or less, of the entirepolyolefin, based upon the total weight of the polyolefin. Suchcomonomers may serve to assist in clarity improvement of the polyolefin,or they may function to improve other properties of the polymer.Examples include acrylic acid and vinyl acetate, etc. Examples of olefinpolymers whose transparency can be improved conveniently according tothe present invention are polymers and copolymers of aliphaticmonoolefins containing 2 to about 6 carbon atoms which have an averagemolecular weight of from about 10,000 to about 2,000,000, preferablyfrom about 30,000 to about 300,000, such as polyethylene, linear lowdensity polyethylene, polypropylene, crystalline ethylenepropylenecopolymer, poly(1-butene), 1-hexene, 1-octene, vinyl cyclohexane, andpolymethylpentene. The polyolefins of the present invention may bedescribed as basically linear, regular polymers that may optionallycontain side chains such as are found, for instance, in conventional,low density polyethylene.

[0028] The preferred polypropylene composition can be obtained by addinga specific amount of the substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol directly tothe polypropylene (or copolymer), and merely mixing them by an suitablemeans. Alternatively, a concentrate containing as much as about 20percent by weight of the additive in a polypropylene masterbatch may beprepared and be subsequently mixed with the resin. Furthermore, theclarifying additive (and other additives) may be present in any type ofstandard polyolefin additive form, including, without limitation,powder, prill, agglomerate, liquid suspension, and the like,particularly comprising dispersion aids such as polyolefin (e.g.,polyethylene) waxes, stearate esters of glycerin, montan waxes, mineraloil, and the like. Basically, any form may be exhibited by such acombination or composition including such combination made fromblending, agglomeration, compaction, and/or extrusion.

[0029] Other additives such as a transparent coloring agent orplasticizers (e.g., dioctyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dioctylsebacate, mineral oil, or dioctyl adipate), can be added to thecomposition of the present invention so long as they do not adverselyaffect the improvement of transparency of the product. It has been foundthat plasticizers such as those exemplified above may in fact aid in theimprovement of the transparency by the diacetal. In particular, it isfurther contemplated that certain organoleptic improvement additives beadded for the purpose of reducing the migration of degradedbenzaldehydes from reaching the surface of the desired article. The term“organoleptic improvement additive” is intended to encompass suchcompounds and formulations as antioxidants (to prevent degradation ofboth the polyolefin and possibly the target alditol derivatives presentwithin such polyolefin), acid neutralizers (to prevent the ability ofappreciable amounts of residual acids from attacking the alditolderivatives), and benzaldehyde scavengers (such as hydrazides,hydrazines, and the like, to prevent the migration of foul tasting andsmelling benzaldehydes to the target polyolefin surface). Such compoundsand formulations can be added in any amounts in order to provide suchorganoleptic improvements as needed. However, the amounts should notappreciably affect the haze results for the target polyolefin itself.Thus, lower amounts on the order of from about 20 ppm to about 2,000 ppmof the total polyolefin component are desired.

[0030] Polyolefin Formation and Testing

[0031] Transparent polypropylene optical disc storage units wereproduced comprising DMDBS clarifying agents sample random copolymerpolypropylene (RCP) resins, as noted below. The polypropylene wasproduced dry blended in a Welex mixer at ˜2000 rpm, extruded through asingle screw extruder at 400-450° F., and pelletized. Accordingly,batches of target polypropylene were produced in accordance with thefollowing table:

[0032] Random Copolymer Polypropylene Composition Table

[0033] Component Amount

[0034] Polypropylene random copolymer flake (3% ethylene)(MF 12) 1000 g

[0035] Irganox® 1010, Primary Antioxidant (from Ciba) 500 ppm

[0036] Irgafos® 168, Secondary Antioxidant (from Ciba) 1000 ppm

[0037] Calcium Stearate, Acid Scavenger 800 ppm

[0038] DMDBS 2500 ppm

[0039] The base resin (random copolymer, hereinafter “RCP”) and alladditives were weighed and then blended in a Welex mixer for 1 minute atabout 1600 rpm. All samples were then melt compounded on a Killionsingle screw extruder at a ramped temperature from about 204° to 232° C.through four heating zones. The melt temperature upon exit of theextruder die was about 246° C. The screw had a diameter of 2.54 cm and alength/diameter ratio of 24:1. Upon melting the molten polymer wasfiltered through a 60 mesh (250 micron) screen. The target storage unitsof this polypropylene material were then made through extrusion into anArburg 25 ton injection molder with the proper mold configuration. Themolder was set at a temperature anywhere between 190 and 260° C., with arange of 190 to 240° C. preferred, most preferably from about 200 to230° C. (for the Tables below, the standard temperature was 220; a #denotes a temperature 210, a {circumflex over ( )} denotes a temperatureof 200, and a @ denotes a temperature of 230). The storage units haddimensions of about 200 mm×200 mm×1.27 mm, and were made in a moldhaving a mirror finish. The mold cooling circulating water wascontrolled at a temperature of about 25° C.

[0040] The haze values were measured by ASTM Standard Test MethodD1003-61 “Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance ofTransparent Plastics”. using a BYK Gardner XL-211 Hazemeter. Nucleationcapabilities were measured as polymer recrystallization temperatures(which indicate the rate of polymer formation provided by the presenceof the nucleating additive) by melting the target plaques, cooling theplaques at a rate of about 20° C./minute, and recording the temperatureat which polymer reformation occurs. The resultant haze of the productstorage units were about 8.0%, a level of sufficient transparency topermit illumination of the optical discs stored therein for authenticitydetection in accordance with the inventive methods.

[0041] The optical discs themselves may be of any standard composition,wherein at least one plastic layer is coated with at least oneinformation layer, which is further coated with at least one metallizedlayer, and which is further coated with a lacquer layer. Preferably, theplastic layer is of a material having some compressibility, such asPERSPEX® (polymethyl methacrylate, or PUMA) and has a thickness between5 mm and 20 mm.

[0042] The metal layer is preferably nickel, although any otherreflective metal may be utilized. The lacquer is preferably amethacrylate. The general production methods are as noted above withinU.S. Pat. No. 6,165,391, herein entirely incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The present invention will now be described in more detail by wayof example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0044]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a compact disc.

[0045]FIG. 2 is a top view of the inventive movable rosette arm storageunit configuration.

[0046]FIG. 3 shows a method of viewing a disc through a transparentpolypropylene storage unit to detect the authenticity identifier on theperipheral edge of the target disc.

[0047]FIG. 4 shows a method of viewing a disc through a transparentpolypropylene storage unit to detect the identifying image on thesurface of the target disc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 1, an optical disc is shown which comprisesa plastic substrate 10 normally formed from polycarbonate, preferablycomprising either at least one iridescent compound, such as anUltraviolet tag which illuminates at the peripheral edge 8 when exposedto an ultraviolet light source, or a bar-code stamped into theperipheral edge 8, or a holographic image present at the peripheral edge8, the upper surface 11 having a pattern of pits formed therein whichdefine a data recording. The pitted surface 11 is provided with ametallic film 12 so as to provide a light reflecting surface, themetallic layer 12 being covered by a protective layer of lacquer 13which may be an ultraviolet light curable resin such as that sold underthe trade mark RENGOLUX®.

[0049] The resin is normally applied to the disc by spin coating, i.e.the resin is applied to the disc at a position slightly radiallyinwardly from the radially innermost extremity of the metallizedsurface, the disc being rotated at speed, such that the resin flowstowards the circumference of the disc, and is cured by exposure toultraviolet light.

[0050] The manner in which the polycarbonate substrate 10 is formed isnormally by injection molding. A metal plate known as a stamper having asurface formed with an information layer is placed in the cavity of aninjection mould and polycarbonate material is injected into the mould.

[0051] The injection molding process produces a polycarbonate substratebearing the information layer and having a substantially flat surfaceand even thickness, with maybe a variance of a few microns with theexception of the peripheral ridge 14 in the polycarbonate substratewhich may be in the region of 50 microns thicker than the averagethickness of the disc elsewhere. The resultant disc exhibits the desiredauthenticity identifier or authenticity image thereon, particularly atthe peripheral edge 8.

[0052]FIG. 2 illustrates a desired structure of an inventive transparentcPP storage unit 30. Such a unit 30 includes movable arms 32, 34 whichare attached to the unit 30 via living hinges 33, 35. Although suchliving hinges 33, 35 are preferred embodiments (since production of sucha molded storage unit 30 is easier through a single mold), detachablehinges (not illustrated) may also be utilized. The discs 36, 38 areattached to the arms 32, 34 via individual rosettes 40 (other notillustrated). The moved arm 34 shows the ability to maneuver theparticular disc 38 outside the unit 30 in order to read and/or view thedesired promotional literature 52 which is held in place with brackets42, 44, 46, 48 to the unit 30. The other arm 32 may also be moved inlike fashion. The number of discs permitted in such a configuration maybe as many as six with individual moving arms attached at each segmentof the unit 30 separated by the spine hinge 50. Thus, the promotionalliterature 52 may be moved inside the unit 30 and easily read completelywither via movement of the individual arms 32, 34 or through theclarified wall of polypropylene on which the promotional literaturerests (not illustrated).

[0053]FIG. 3 depicts one preferred method of determining theauthenticity of a disc 82 comprising an ultraviolet-based authenticityidentifier (not illustrated) through a cPP storage unit 80. While thestorage unit 80 is in a closed position, there is a top flap 86 attachedvia a living hinge 85 and a recessed portion 87 having a bottom side 88a first end 90 and a second including said living hinge 89. The disc 82is attached to the unit via a rosette 84. When in closed position, anultraviolet light source 92 provides ultraviolet rays 94 which aredirected into the unit 80. When the rays 94 contact the disc 80, theiridescent result 98 may either be viewed through second end 89 of theunit 80 and analyzed via any instrument 100 (including human sight andrecognition), or viewed in the same manner through the first end 90 ofthe unit 80. Such an authenticity identifier may include a barcodeimpressed within the peripheral edges 81 of the disc 82, or aholographic image placed on the peripheral edges of the disc 82, or aniridescent color integrated within the disc 82, as merely preferredexamples, or adhered to the peripheral edges 81 of the disc 82. Anycombination thereof, including patterns in like manner may be utilizedas well for such a purpose.

[0054]FIG. 4 thus depicts another preferred embodiment utilizing thebenefits of a cPP storage unit 110. In closed position, a disc(partially shown as 116) resides within the unit 110, includingpromotional material 114 present within the unit 110 as well. A cut-outportion 120 thus permits viewing of an authenticity image 122, such as aholographic image, or bar-code, on the surface of the disc 116.

[0055] Thus, it is evident that suitable, simple methods of counterfeitdetection may be provided through the utilization of such cPP units. Theconfiguration improvements also provide a maximum utilization of spacefor the enjoyment and aesthetic pleasure of the consumer as well withregards to the promotional material, or other like supplied articlesaccompanying the commercialized disc.

[0056] There are, of course, many alternative embodiments andmodifications of the present invention which are intended to be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the following claims.

What we claim is:
 1. A transparent thermoplastic storage container forat least one optical disc; wherein said optical disc has a top surface,a bottom surface, and a peripheral edge; wherein said container includespromotional literature therein that is of a size and configuration so asto prevent viewing of both of said top surface and said bottom surfacein their entirety of said at least one optical disc when said storagecontainer is in its closed position; wherein said promotional literaturefurther includes a cut out portion such that, when said at least oneoptical disc is stored within said storage container in its closedposition simultaneously with said promotional literature, then at leasta portion of either of said top surface or said bottom surface, or bothof said top surface and said bottom surface, of said at least oneoptical disc may be viewed to determine the presence of said at leastone optical disc within said storage container without opening saidstorage container.